OZschwitz: Corrupt "Lord Mayor" of Sydney, Clover Moore, broke council's code of conduct

THE "Lord Mayor" of Sydney, Clover Moore, has denied she acted inappropriately after apparently breaching the council's code of conduct by participating in a decision to buy a property from her largest individual political donor.

On November 3, the City of Sydney "council" decided to buy a building at 107 Redfern Street, Redfern, from the businessman Peter Holmes a Court for approximately $3 million.

Mr Holmes a Court had donated $6940 to Ms Moore's campaign for the seat of Sydney in last year's state election, and the MP, doubling in her role as mayor, declared her conflict of interest. However, she chaired the meeting at which debate on the matter took place and the vote on the ultimate decision to buy the property was carried unanimously by voices alone.

The code of conduct applying to councils says a councillor "must absent self from debate and vote".

The purchase was the last item on the agenda of the council's meeting on November 3 and the debate over it was carried out in camera, out of public view.

In a one-line written response to the Herald's inquiries, Ms Moore said: "I sought advice at the time and acted in accordance with that advice. I believe my action to be appropriate."

However, on October 17, the council asked solicitors David Baird and Monica Kelly, from the legal firm Maddocks, for advice on the matter, and their response was that a councillor in Ms Moore's position should absent herself from the meeting.

LNK

OZschwitz: Corrupt "Lord Mayor" of Sydney, Clover Moore, broke council's code of conduct

OZschwitz: Corrupt "Lord Mayor" of Sydney, Clover Moore, broke council's code of conduct

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